South Korean brands drop campaigns with K-drama star Cha Eun-woo amid tax allegations

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by SCMP’s Asia deskJanuary 23, 2026 at 06:45 AM

AI Summary

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South Korean brands, including Shinhan Bank and Abib, are halting advertising campaigns featuring K-drama star Cha Eun-woo following allegations of tax avoidance. Reports suggest Cha may have avoided US$13 million in taxes through a company under his mother's name. The National Tax Service reportedly notified Cha of a substantial additional tax assessment after determining the company was a shell firm used to reduce his tax burden. Revenue was allegedly channeled through the company, Fantagio (Cha's agency), and Cha himself. Cha's team has filed for a pre-assessment review to contest the tax authority's interpretation.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

BodyFriend 60% Shinhan Bank 60% Abib 60% National Tax Service 70% Fantagio ×270% South Korea 80% Cha Eun-woo ×690%

Keywords

tax allegations 100% cha eun-woo 90% advertising campaigns 80% south korean brands 70% tax avoidance 70% shell entity 60% national tax service 50% tax assessment 40% fantagio 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

South Korea

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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tax allegations cha eun-woo advertising campaigns south korean brands tax avoidance shell entity national tax service tax assessment fantagio

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